Life happened. There were plans, detours, work, family—everything that gathers in the quiet space between one post and the next. Seventeen years have passed, and somehow, through all that time, I am back.
And then suddenly, it is 2026.
- Anand
Category: Personal
I like Senator Obama. I always have, that is, ever since I heard his speech back in 2004 during the Democratic Convention. Did I have doubts about him? Absolutely. Not because I did not think he was just the kind of leader this country (heck, the world) needed. I was just not sure if he knew how nasty things would get. You see, back in 2004, I was supporting Senator John Kerry. And I mean, I was really giving him my everything. And then he got swiftboated. I was disappointed. Extremely disappointed. And then he lost the election. I had a very hard time coming to terms with it. I just did not understand why the folks of this country could not see right through all the negative attacks and fear mongering tactics that was being dumped on them. It took me a long time, but I finally got over it.
Four years has since passed and it’s time to elect another President. The country has been through quite a bit these past four years, thanks to the ingenuity of President Bush and Vice President Cheney. Things are not the same for me either. Today, I am a married man and we are blessed with a beautiful daughter. I had told myself I was going to keep it easy this time around. After all, I had better things to do in my life. Ofcourse, it was easier said than done. Well, to no one’s surprise, this time around we both got sucked in. Luckily for us, we both liked Senator Obama. As pointless as they were, we watched almost every single mindless Democratic Primary debate (20 in all) during this Primary season. We were in India visiting my parents when the news of Senator Obama’s Iowa win hit us. And that was all we needed - “We were in, no holes barred!!”
Super Tuesday happened. Potomac Primaries happened. Wisconsin, Hawaii happened. Senator Obama did extremely well. And then it was time for folks in Ohio and Texas to speak. Senator Clinton, with her back to the wall, did what was expected. She, along with her campaign staff, decided to throw the proverbial “kitchen sink” at him. And all I could think of was - It’s happening again. Please, Please tell me it ain’t going to be the same again. Well, it did. He lost. I could care less by how much. He lost, plain and simple. Why? Cause Senator Clinton was able to convince the electorate in Ohio and Texas that when a call came in the White House at 3 am about some impending National Security crisis, Senator Obama would be looking for “How-to-be-Commander-in-Chief” manual. That all he was worth was giving good speeches. That he had just a speech of 2002 to offer as his life experience and qualification to be the President of the United States. And they bought it.
I listened to Senator Obama speak in San Antonio after the results of Ohio were out and Texas was not looking good either. This man had just lost a big Primary election night. I was hoping he would do what he rarely has done in this Election all along - Be human, not a Pastor. Show some flesh and blood emotion. Some passion. Some raw fighting spirit. Show that he was pissed too at the notion that the “kitchen sink” crap actually stuck. Instead, he did what he always does and does remarkably well - Give an inspiring stump speech. And while it was a good speech, I did not hear in his words a man who had just had a bad night but was determined to fight. I know he said something to that effect. But it sounded more like a stump speech than a passionate plea to his supporters to not give up. And to tell all those who were tuned in - “If you think I, in whose veins flows the blood of a Kenyan father don’t know how to win a marathon, you’re so mistaken. I am ready and yes, I am as fired up as I was on the chilly morning in Chicago almost a year ago when I announced my intention to run for the nomination.” Instead, his speech seemed detached from what had just happened to him and his millions of supporters, millions of folks who really think he is the answer to this country’s problems. And if that was not sad enough, I saw this this morning on some news site that his campaign was thinking of going negative on Senator Clinton.
I wish I could talk to Senator Obama. I know that’s stupid. But I truly wish I could. And if I did, I would tell him this - “Fight. And let your words convey that to your millions of supporters. Americans like a fighter. You don’t have to stoop to negativity to show raw passion.” Remember what people have always said about teams who win World Championships, be it in Baseball or Football - The team that wins championships is never the one that deserves it the most. It’s the won that wants it the most. Is really hungry for it.
Are you hungry, Senator Obama?
- Anand
Category: US Presidential Elections 2008
Is it Imran Khan himself? I don’t know. What I do know is Pakistan needs one desperately. Frankly, all I can think of right now is how Imran Khan was always the one who delivered for the Pakistani fans (and for the true fans of the game of cricket) in the game of cricket. And he delivered it in style. Well, I don’t know about you, but we sure could use someone like him who would do the same for Pakistani politics.
As for the effect of Benazir Bhutto’s assassination today and its impact on US Presidential Elections, I have four words for all those who suddenly think, thanks in no part to the bozo pundits on Cable television, that Hillary Clinton or John McCain or Rudy Guiliani is really the best way to react to this news of terrorist attack - “Here we go again”. I am so disappointed in you all.
- Anand
Category: Chindia
Culture eats strategy for breakfast.
— Ford Motor Company
Saw it on the email signature of a colleague in Cisco. I could not agree more.
- Anand
Category: IT and Business Trends
[via Shorter Candidates]
Obama: The system sucks, but I’m so awesome that it’ll melt away before me.
Edwards: The system sucks, and we’re gonna have to fight like hell to destroy it.
Clinton: The system sucks, and I know how to work within it more than anyone.
Yup, that’s one way to look at it. And when you look at it this way, it sure seems like Edwards is being more realistic about the whole thing. Then again, this shorter version really applies to “one and only one” area - Health Care. This Election ought to be more than just dealing with Health Care crisis.
- Anand
Category: US Presidential Elections 2008
For all the problems Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton appears to be having holding off her rivals in Iowa and New Hampshire, she remains strong nationally, the poll found. Even after what her aides acknowledge have been two of the roughest months of her candidacy, she is viewed by Democrats as a far more electable presidential nominee than either Senator Barack Obama or John Edwards. Not only do substantially more Democratic voters judge her to be ready for the presidency than believe Mr. Obama is prepared for the job, the poll found, but more Democrats also see Mrs. Clinton rather than Mr. Obama as someone who can unite the country.
— NYTimes, “Poll Finds G.O.P. Field Isn’t Touching Voters”
I am speechless and saddened by the sheer ineptitude of the Democrats who participate in these polls. Why is it so hard for them to see the obvious? Senator Clinton might be ready for Presidency, is a smart woman and might have the best of intentions for this country. That said, nothing from my vantage point, tells me that she will be able to do the two things that the next President MUST be able to do:
- Unite the people of this country and then inspire them to do bold things in the following areas - Energy Independence, Environment and Health Care
- Remind the World that United States is B-A-C-K and it’s willing to invest in what it has always done - Lead By Example
Senator Clinton, in my mind, will flunk the first requirement, especially in her ability to Unite and Inspire the people of this country.
- Anand
Category: US Presidential Elections 2008